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Category: Farmhouse Resort

Smiling Gecko Campus

Vocational training at Smiling Gecko is top-notch.
Spread the word!

Their names are Pheara, Vuty, Sopha, Khema and Chanty. When they’re not at the Smiling Gecko Campus, they work as trainers at the ‘National Vocational Institute’ in Battambang Province, a state-run vocational training institution.
Two people wearing white shirts and lanyards walk down a greenhouse aisle between rows of leafy greens under green shade netting.
Two men ride bicycles on a dusty rural path, wearing white shirts and wide-brim hats with green fields and trees around them.
Smiling woodworker wearing safety glasses and earmuffs cuts wood with a hand saw in a workshop, facing the camera.
Now, the teachers from the north-west of the country are here with us, with the roles reversed. Instead of training young Cambodians, they themselves have returned to the classroom for a nine-week training programme. Although “sitting in a classroom” does not quite capture it. Rather than focusing purely on theory, the five participants are gaining practical, hands-on experience every day. The training covers agriculture (Khema and Chanty), fish farming (Vuthy and Sopha) and carpentry (Pheara). They follow programmes similar to those of our own trainees. Naturally, in a much more condensed form.
Two workers in a wood shop operate a power drill together, wearing safety goggles, masks, and earmuffs as they shape wood pieces.
Three people on a boat filleting fish outdoors on a sunny day, wearing gloves and using buckets and tools; man in foreground wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
Three people stand in an orchard, examining red berries on a leafy tree as they discuss harvest.

They learn how to produce and apply organic fertiliser, how to manage excessively high water temperatures in fish ponds and how to construct solid wooden shelves. This valuable knowledge is then passed on to others through their own teaching, including to people who have lost one or more limbs because of tragic encounters with landmines.

People weighing soil samples on a green analog scale under a shelter, hands scooping dark soil into a bag.
Two lab scientists in white coats and masks work at a bench with test tubes and colorful test kit boxes visible nearby in a laboratory setting.

Why are we mentioning this explicitly? Because the exchange programme is a collaboration with MINE-EX, a foundation supported by several Swiss Rotary Clubs. Together with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)), MINE-EX operates two rehabilitation centres in Battambang Province for landmine survivors. We believe this partnership is a perfect match.

We are therefore especially pleased that the expertise developed in our specialist workshops is now being shared far beyond the Smiling Gecko Campus.

LAtest News

Smiling Gecko Campus

The new school building is finally complete! This calls for a celebration!

To mark this momentous occasion, the specialists at Insight Reisen in Zurich, in collaboration with the teams at the Smiling Gecko Campus, have organised a unique trip that will immerse you in campus life and take you to some of the country’s most remarkable highlights. First and foremost among these is the spectacular Angkor Wat UNESCO World Heritage Site, a must-see to complete any journey to Cambodia.
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The programme*:

15 Nov, Sun

Flight from Zurich to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific (departure 11:55, arrival 06:15 the following day).

Flight times and airline are subject to change.

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16 Nov, Mon

Hongkong – Phnom Penh (KTI)
Arrival in Hong Kong early in the morning, then a connecting flight to Phnom Penh (08:40/10:25). You will be met at the airport. Transfer from the new airport to the hotel. Check-in is usually from 14:00.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoni, as well as the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum (closed from 17:00). Finally, you will explore the Central Market, a covered market centred around a domed structure where you can find almost every kind of souvenir.
You will then spend the night in a hotel in the city centre.

Cambodia Visa
A visa should be obtained for Cambodia online in advance.
Cambodia Visa | Insight Reisen (insight-reisen.com)

Anik Palace Hotel,
Phnom Penh
Anik Classic
****

17 Nov, Tue
Phnom Penh – Siem Reap After breakfast, you will explore the country’s tragic past. The Khmer Rouge’s reign of terror has left its mark to this day. You will visit the former Tuol Sleng torture prison and the Killing Fields on the outskirts of the city. Drive to Siem Reap (without a guide, approx. 320 km/6 hrs).

Anik Palace Hotel,
Phnom Penh
Anik Classic
****

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18 Nov, Wed

Siem Reap: Angkor temple complex
Sightseeing tour of the spectacular temple complex: you will visit Angkor Thom with Bayon and the Terrace of the Elephants. You will then visit Ta Keo, the jungle-overgrown Ta Prohm complex and Preah Kahn, and, depending on time, other temples.

The Angkor Archaeological Park is not only a haven for travellers admiring the art and architecture of past civilisations, but also home to many residents of the Siem Reap region. Along the paths and near the temples, we discover small villages with charming traditional houses. We recommend escaping the tourist crowds and enjoying a private aperitif in one of these private wooden houses in a peaceful and authentic setting. The welcoming team will serve refreshing drinks and delicious canapés, offering you the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Includes a foot massage and pastry tasting.

Shinta Mani Angkor,
Siem Reap
Bayon Room
****

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19 Nov, Thu

Siem Reap – Farmhouse Smiling Gecko (19–26 Nov)
After breakfast, drive through the Cambodian countryside to Farmhouse Smiling Gecko (approx. 320 km/5–6 hours, without a guide). You will be met at the Farmhouse. In the evening, enjoy an aperitif followed by dinner at the Farmhouse Restaurant.

Farmhouse Resort,
Deluxe Khmer Bungalows
****

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20 Nov Fri
Farmhouse Smiling Gecko – School Opening Early in the morning, you will visit the school and gain fascinating insights into the children’s daily lives. This personal guided tour is marked by moving encounters and leaves a lasting impression. After breakfast, you will take a tour of the Smiling Gecko campus and learn more about the diverse training programmes, vocational education and the project’s sustainable development work. In the afternoon, you will visit a local school and the surrounding villages. These encounters offer an authentic insight into the lives of people in rural Cambodia and the challenges they face daily. You can enjoy dinner at the Farmhouse Restaurant or, alternatively, at the Fine Dining Restaurant UN.

Farmhouse Resort,
Deluxe Khmer Bungalows
****

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21 Nov, Sat

Farmhouse Smiling Gecko – School Opening – Main Day
Saturday is dedicated to a variety of celebrations and marks the official opening day. Buddhist monks will bless the school, followed by touching performances by the children. A school tour and other activities will make this an unforgettable experience. Dinner will be served at either the Farmhouse Restaurant or the Fine Dining Restaurant UN.

Farmhouse Resort,
Deluxe Khmer Bungalows
****

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22 Nov, Sun

Farmhouse Smiling Gecko – School Opening
This day is dedicated to culture. Various performances, talks and guided tours at the Gong Cultural Centre will offer fascinating insights into local traditions and culture.
You will also have the opportunity to visit families in need and provide food support. This contribution helps strengthen food security while offering a personal insight into daily life.
Dinner will be served at either the Farmhouse Restaurant or the Fine Dining Restaurant UN.

Farmhouse Resort,
Deluxe Khmer Bungalows
****

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23 Nov, Mon

Farmhouse Smiling Gecko – School Opening
You may choose from a range of excursions to explore the surroundings. Options include temple visits or a boat trip to floating villages and local pottery workshops.
In the afternoon, further performances and activities at the Gong Cultural Centre await.
Dinner will be served at either the Farmhouse Restaurant or the Fine Dining Restaurant UN.

Farmhouse Resort,
Deluxe Khmer Bungalows
****

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24 Nov, Tue
Farmhouse Smiling Gecko – School Opening Today is a day of relaxation and enjoyment. Take the time to savour the beautiful hotel grounds, pamper yourself at the spa, or simply unwind by the pool. Anyone who still feels like exploring the surrounding area or gathering more impressions can do so according to their own wishes. The atmospheric finale to this trip – unless you have already enjoyed it on a previous evening – is a fine dining dinner at Restaurant UN. You will be treated to Michelin-level cuisine of the highest standard: this is your last opportunity to experience this culinary highlight.

Farmhouse Resort,
Deluxe Khmer Bungalows
****

25 Nov, Wed
Phnom Penh (KTI) – Return flight via Hong Kong After lunch at the Farmhouse, transfer to the airport and check in approximately three hours before departure. Fly with Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong (departure 19:05, arrival 22:50).
26.11. Do
26 Nov, Thu Return flight from Hong Kong to Zurich. Connecting flight with Cathay Pacific to Zurich (00:45–07:30). Arrival in Zurich on Thursday. Flight times and airline are subject to change.
Changes may be made at any time.

Tour prices:

Price per person based on a minimum of 10 participants.
Tour as per itinerary, including flights: CHF 3,480.00*
– Single room supplement: CHF 680.00
– Accommodation in a deluxe bungalow. Prices for other room categories at the Farmhouse Resort are available on request.

*Flight fares are dynamic and may change at any time. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Booking:

The Insight Reisen team will be happy to assist you with your booking. Email: insight@insight-reisen.com Telephone: +41 (0)44 280 62 62 For general enquiries, you can also contact the Farmhouse Resort. Email: info@farmhouse-smilinggecko.com Telephone: +855 11 67 95 95 The booking deadline is 31 July 2026.
Detail program (in German)

LAtest News

Farmhouse Resort

These two strong women share a passion.

A few weeks ago, Tanja Grandits, the exceptional chef from Restaurant Stucki in Basel (2 Michelin stars, 19 Gault Millau points), visited us at the Farmhouse Resort on the Smiling Gecko Campus for a few days. The Gault Millau Channel has produced a detailed report on her visit, which we would like to share with you.

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We’ve always been fans of Mariya. Now we’re also fans of Tanja, who charmed us with her warm and down-to-earth manner. But read for yourself: The link takes you directly to the article (in German language).

Letzte News

Farmhouse Resort

The new suites are almost finished!

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In our quest to make the Farmhouse Resort not only one of the most sustainable, but also one of the most beautiful hotels in Cambodia, we have achieved a lot in the last 24 months. With the ten new suites, we are currently creating a new milestone here. We are super proud and would like to take the opportunity to thank our employees as well as the local construction teams: You are great!

Latest News

FARMHOUSE RESORT

REGISTER NOW: ON SEPTEMBER 14, MARIYA UN NOUN WILL BE COOKING AT THE “SABLIER ROOFTOP RESTAURANT” AT ZURICH AIRPORT.

Our wonderful chef Mariya is concrete proof of the opportunities that can arise for people in Cambodia when they are properly supported. In September, she will be in Switzerland to raise funds for the Smiling Gecko Campus with her great “New Khmer Cuisine”.
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Meldet euch jetzt an und freut euch, an diesem Abend nicht nur ganz viel Gutes für die Zukunft im ländlichen Kambodscha tut, sondern auch für euch. Denn das, was Mariya auf die Teller zaubert, ist wirklich sensationell.

Register now and enjoy this evening, not only supporting the future of rural Cambodia, but also for yourself, because what Mariya conjures up on the plates is truly sensational.

We ask for a donation of 1,000 Swiss francs per person, for which you will of course receive a donation receipt. You can register until September 2, via this Link.

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Smiling Gecko e.V.
Tuslingerstraße 23
79102 Freiburg
Deutschland

info@smilinggecko.de

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